Volume 28, Issue 148, June 2024

Mental health in Systemic Sclerosis: A literature review

Maciej Nowicki^1♦, Konstancja Węgrzyn², Marcin Wasilewski³, Julia Skwara¹, Gustaw Laskowski², Agnieszka Góra⁴, Dawid Barański³, Anna Salińska⁵, Piotr Węgrzyn², Natalia Dąbrowska⁶

¹National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
²Central Clinical Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
³Jerzy Popiełuszko Bielański Hospital – Independent Public Healthcare Centre, Warsaw, Poland
⁴Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
⁵Mazowiecki Szpital Bródnowski, Warsaw, Poland
⁶Infant Jesus Clinical Hospital, Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), known as scleroderma, is a complex autoimmune disorder marked by skin and internal organ fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune system abnormalities. This chronic condition presents diverse clinical features, from skin thickening to serious organ involvement affecting the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Pathogenesis involves immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and fibroblast activation, which leads to excess collagen deposition. While genetic, environmental, and immunological factors contribute to its development, the exact cause remains unknown. Despite progress in understanding SSc pathophysiology and treatment, the disease significantly challenges patients and healthcare providers due to its diverse manifestations, particularly from pulmonary and cardiovascular complications. Additionally, SSc has the highest mortality rate among rheumatic diseases. Beyond physical symptoms, SSc profoundly impacts mental health, with patients frequently experiencing depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and self-image issues. This review explores the relationship between SSc and mental health, highlighting the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial factors, and their implications for disease management. By examining current literature, this review aims to enhance understanding of SSc's multifaceted nature and inform comprehensive care strategies to meet the holistic needs of patients. It underscores the importance of integrating mental health evaluations into routine SSc management and developing targeted interventions to improve psychological well-being and overall quality of life for SSc patients.

Keywords: Systemic Sclerosis; Scleroderma; mental health; depression; anxiety

Medical Science, 2024, 28, e66ms3376

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v28i148.e66ms3376

Published: 27 June 2024